Outdoors, action, adventure

Katie Spotz, 22, sets record for youngest person to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean

March 15, 2010 | 2:52
pm

After 70 days and 2,817 miles, Katie Spotz became the youngest person to successfully complete a solo row across the Atlantic Ocean, rowing into Georgetown, Guyana, on Sunday.

The 22-year-old set out on Jan. 3 from Dakar, Senegal, in West Africa and had planned on arriving in Cayenne, French Guiana. However, Spotz altered her course earlier this month to give herself a better chance of reaching land unassisted.

"The final days of my row were similar to the first ones, with generally calm seas," Spotz said. "I'm so glad I extended the journey 400 miles, as a part of me was holding on dearly to the simplicity of the sea."

Spotz, of Mentor, Ohio, did this not just to challenge herself but to raise funds and awareness for the Blue Planet Run Foundation, a charitable organization that funds safe drinking water projects for billions of people around the world in need.

She far surpassed her original fundraising target of $50,000, raising a total of $70,905 for the charity as of her arrival in port.

"I am so thankful to all of the people who followed my journey and sent me encouraging messages, but especially for their donations and support for safe drinking water, which were inspirations for the row," said Spotz.

No word yet on what the endurance athlete will try next, though something will likely be in the planning stages soon -- Spotz does not seem one to sit still for long.